The living room is the heart of your home—a place to relax, entertain, and spend time with loved ones. But it’s also one of the easiest spaces to clutter. Between remote controls, books, blankets, toys, and décor, it can quickly go from cozy to chaotic.
The solution? Storage bins.
Storage bins aren’t just practical—they can be stylish, versatile, and a part of your décor. With the right approach, you can use them to organize your space while enhancing its look. Here are creative ways to use storage bins in the living room to keep things neat and beautiful.
1. Hide Remote Controls and Small Electronics
Remote controls, gaming controllers, and charging cords are everyday essentials—but they often end up scattered on the coffee table or under the couch cushions.
How to Use Bins:
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Use a small decorative storage bin or woven basket on your coffee table or side table to keep remotes, chargers, and small gadgets in one place.
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Choose a design that complements your living room décor for a seamless look.
Pro Tip: Add dividers inside the bin to keep cords from tangling.
2. Organize Throw Blankets and Pillows
Throw blankets and accent pillows add warmth and style, but when not in use, they can make the room feel messy.
How to Use Bins:
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Opt for large woven or fabric bins to neatly store blankets and pillows when they’re not needed.
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Place the bin next to a sofa or armchair for easy access during movie nights or chilly evenings.
Bonus Idea: Use two bins—one for blankets, one for extra pillow covers or seasonal décor.
3. Create a Kids’ Toy Corner
If you have kids, you know how quickly toys can take over the living room.
How to Use Bins:
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Choose colorful, sturdy bins to store toys, puzzles, and art supplies.
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Label bins with words or pictures so kids can help clean up.
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Stackable bins are great for maximizing vertical space.
Pro Tip: Keep a low, open bin in the corner so younger kids can easily put toys away themselves.
4. Set Up a Pet Essentials Station
Pets come with their own set of accessories—leashes, toys, treats—that can clutter your living space.
How to Use Bins:
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Designate a medium-sized bin for pet toys and keep it near their bed or favorite spot.
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Use a smaller bin or lidded container for treats, grooming tools, and other supplies.
This keeps everything pet-related organized and within reach.
5. Stylish Magazine and Book Storage
Coffee table books and magazines can add charm to your living room, but piles of them can look messy.
How to Use Bins:
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A slim, tall storage bin or basket can neatly store reading materials upright.
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Choose a decorative bin made of leather, rattan, or metal for a stylish touch.
Bonus Tip: Rotate magazines or books regularly to keep the collection fresh and uncluttered.
6. Disguise Clutter with Lidded Bins
Sometimes, you need a quick way to hide everyday clutter before guests arrive.
How to Use Bins:
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Use lidded storage bins to store random items like mail, notebooks, or miscellaneous knick-knacks.
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Place the bin under a console table or next to the couch for easy access.
This is a lifesaver for last-minute tidying.
7. Store Seasonal Décor
Seasonal decorations—like holiday lights, candles, and festive accents—can take up valuable space when not in use.
How to Use Bins:
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Use clear plastic bins to store seasonal décor so you can see what’s inside without opening every container.
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Label each bin by season or holiday for quick, stress-free decorating.
Pro Tip: Stack bins neatly in a corner or closet to save space.
8. Create a Home Office Station
If your living room doubles as a workspace, clutter can easily build up.
How to Use Bins:
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Store office supplies—like pens, notebooks, and files—in small to medium bins.
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Use lidded bins to hide papers and electronics when not in use, instantly transforming the space back into a cozy living room.
9. Tidy Up Gaming Equipment
Gaming consoles, controllers, and accessories tend to scatter across the room.
How to Use Bins:
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Keep gaming controllers and headphones in small, open bins near the TV stand.
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Use larger bins for storing game cases, charging docks, and extra cables.
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Consider a divided bin for multiple players’ accessories.
10. Elevate Décor with Designer Bins
Storage bins don’t have to be purely functional—they can also serve as part of your interior design.
How to Use Bins:
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Look for woven baskets, wooden crates, or leather bins that match your décor style.
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Incorporate them as statement pieces while doubling as hidden storage.
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Arrange a set of matching bins on open shelving for a cohesive look.
Tips for Choosing the Right Storage Bins
When selecting storage bins for your living room, keep these factors in mind:
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Size: Match the bin size to the items you plan to store.
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Material:
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Woven or fabric bins for a cozy, warm vibe.
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Plastic or acrylic for durability and easy cleaning.
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Wood or leather for a sophisticated look.
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Color and Style: Choose neutral tones for versatility or bold colors for a pop of personality.
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Accessibility: Open bins are best for everyday items, while lidded bins are ideal for hiding clutter.
Final Thoughts
Storage bins are a simple yet powerful solution for keeping your living room organized, functional, and beautiful. Whether you’re storing toys, blankets, books, or electronics, the right bins can help you declutter while adding to your home’s aesthetic.
With a little creativity, storage bins can do more than just hold stuff—they can transform your living room into a calm, inviting space where everything has its place.